55 



should be sent forward to the countries likely to be affected by 

 them. 



The following is from the " Art of Angling," published in 

 1810 : " It is the best fishing in a river somewhat disturbed by 

 rain, or on a cloudy day when the waters are moved with a gentle 

 breeze ; the south and west winds are the best, and if the wind 

 blows high, yet not so but that you may conveniently guide your 

 tackle, then fishes will rise in the still deeps ; but if there is little 

 wind stirring, the best angling is in swift streams. 



" In casting your line, do it always before you, and in such a 

 manner that the fly may fall first on the water. When you throw 

 your line, wave the rod in a small circumference round your head, 

 and never make a return of it before the line has had its full scope, 

 or the fly will snap off. 



" Although when you angle the day is cloudy and windy, and 

 the water thick, you must keep the fly in continual motion, 

 otherwise the fishes will discern the deceit. 



"'.... Upon the curling surface let it glide 

 With nat'ral motion from your hand suppli'd ; 

 Against the stream now let it gently play, 

 Now in the rapid eddy float away.' 



"When fishes rise at the fly very often, and yet never take 

 it, you may conclude that it is not what they like, therefore 

 change it for the one they do." 



PLAYING A FISH. 



". . . . Should you lure 



From his dark haunt, beneath the tangled roots 

 Of pendent trees, the monarch of the brook, 

 Behoves you then to ply your finest art ; 

 Long time he, following cautious, scans the fly, 

 And oft attempts to seize it, but as oft 

 The dimpled water speaks his jealous fear : 

 At last, while haply o'er the shaded sun 

 Passes a cloud, he desperate takes the death 



